Tell about the work your person did. Tell why his or her work was important, and what his or her contribution was. Did he or she invent something or teach others? How did he or she change the world? What lasting effects did your person have on the lives of others?
My Person: Ida Tarbell
Ida Tarbell was an American journalist and writer who is best known for her pioneering investigative journalism that exposed the shady business practices of oil magnate John D. Rockefeller and his Standard Oil company.
Her most famous work was a series of articles published in McClure's Magazine in 1902, which eventually led to the breakup of Standard Oil and the passing of antitrust laws in the United States. Tarbell's reporting revealed the monopolistic practices of Standard Oil, including its manipulation of prices, control of pipelines, and ruthless tactics used to eliminate competition.
Ida Tarbell's work was important because it shed light on the injustices faced by small business owners and consumers in the face of corporate greed. Her in-depth research and fearless reporting paved the way for future investigative journalists and helped to bring about reforms in the business world.
In addition to her work as a journalist, Tarbell also wrote biographies and other works that highlighted the lives of influential figures in American history. She was a trailblazer for women in the field of journalism and her commitment to transparency and truth-telling had a lasting impact on the field.
Ida Tarbell's work changed the world by holding powerful corporations accountable for their actions and advocating for fair business practices. Her contributions to American journalism continue to inspire journalists today to seek out the truth and challenge the status quo. She left a lasting legacy of integrity and courage that has influenced generations of writers and activists.